as in contentious
relating to or causing the expression of opposing opinions
the new plan raises a number of hot-button issues that are sure to get voters riled up
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in third rail
Related Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hot button
Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
More transparency and a noticeable boost in fighter pay could help shift the narrative, especially at a time when fighter unions and collective bargaining remain hot-button topics in the sport.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Adjective
But aid to Ukraine has become a hot button in Washington, splitting lawmakers, some from the same party.
—Savannah Kuchar, USA TODAY, 25 Feb. 2025
Several hot button political issues are likely to drive the debate over spending as the spring legislative session goes on.
—Addison Wright, Chicago Tribune, 18 Feb. 2025
Noun
The topics covered a wide range of hot-button issues in college football.
—Jon Wilner, Mercury News, 15 Aug. 2025
More transparency and a noticeable boost in fighter pay could help shift the narrative, especially at a time when fighter unions and collective bargaining remain hot-button topics in the sport.
—Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hot button
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hot button
Adjective
-
Real World alum and life coach Kelley Wolf plans to attend a treatment center amid her contentious divorce from her estranged husband, Party of Five actor Scott Wolf.—
Ryan Coleman September 2,
EW.com,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Such a contentious course will never happen as there are many opposed to such a radical move.—
Vipin Bharathan,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The conflict in Gaza is an obvious third rail in Hollywood right now.—
Zak Cheney-Rice,
Vulture,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Avon is rebooting its third rail—expanding into e-commerce, retail, digital and other platforms, to form a new crucial pillar of its global omnichannel strategy.—
Dean DeBiase,
Forbes.com,
17 Aug. 2025
Adjective
-
The plaintiffs argued the displacement was motivated by a desire to limit readers' access to books with viewpoints that are unpopular and controversial in the area.—
Taylor Seely,
AZCentral.com,
8 Sep. 2025
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McLaren made a controversial decision at the Italian Grand Prix, swapping Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri's positions at the end of the race.—
Nelson Espinal,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hot button.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hot%20button. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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